As the year comes to a close, I like to reflect on the trends I observe across the hundreds of retail and hospitality environments I evaluate. In 2025, I noticed several repeating patterns that directly contributed to customer injuries—and understanding these patterns helps attorneys build stronger cases.
1. Improper fixture anchoring
From clothing racks to promotional displays, many stores still fail to secure fixtures correctly. Tip-overs remain a significant source of injury.
2. Overstocked and unstable shelves
High-volume retail environments continue to push merchandise beyond safe weight limits, creating dangerous overhead hazards.
3. Inconsistent floor maintenance
Wet-weather procedures remain one of the biggest gaps I see during slip-and-fall evaluations.
4. Poor lighting design and upkeep
Burned-out bulbs and poor sightlines continue to contribute to fall injuries—especially in restaurants and hospitality settings.
5. Lack of employee training
Retail staff shortages and turnover mean many employees aren’t trained on store standards, hazard recognition, or safety protocols.
These recurring issues highlight the importance of thorough forensic analysis. My role as an Expert Retail Witness is to uncover the root cause of each incident—whether through on-site reviews, virtual inspections, or detailed examinations of policies, maintenance logs, and store design.
If your firm has an injury case that needs expert analysis—now or in the new year—I’m happy to speak with you. 1-917-691-4853 or fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch shortly.
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